SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. As a career, it means working to improve how websites appear in search engine results—particularly Google. The goal? Get more organic (unpaid) traffic, more qualified visitors, and ultimately, better conversions.
In short, SEO professionals help businesses get found online.
What kind of jobs fall under the SEO umbrella?
The SEO world is surprisingly diverse. You might start out with one skill—like writing blog posts—and end up knee-deep in site architecture or analytics dashboards.
Here are some common SEO roles:
- SEO Specialist: A generalist who does a bit of everything
- Technical SEO Analyst: Focuses on crawlability, site speed, schema, and more
- Content SEO Strategist: Plans and optimises written content to rank
- Link Building Expert: Builds authority through backlinks
- SEO Consultant: Advises businesses on strategy and implementation
- In-House SEO Manager: Leads internal SEO initiatives for larger brands
Each role suits a different personality—some are analytical, others more creative. But all share a common skill: understanding how search works.
What industries hire SEO professionals?
Pretty much any industry with a website.
- E-commerce brands looking to reduce ad spend
- Local service providers wanting to appear in Google Maps
- Media and publishing companies growing their audience
- Startups aiming for sustainable visibility
- Agencies that offer SEO as part of a larger digital service suite